“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14 (NIV)

Live

With some of the extra time from the COVID-19 Shelter in Place/Stay at Home order, I found myself playing a word game on my phone. I highlighted the word “live”, but that was not the word the game wanted. What? Hmmm? What other word could those four letters be? Then I realized for the first time that the word “live” spelled backwards is “evil.” 

There’s a spiritual lesson here. If I want to live eternally, I must do a 180-degree turn from my evil, confess my sin and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. If I want to live an abundant life, I must rotate fully from the evil in my life and seek Jesus, the Prince of Peace. If I want to live a peaceful life with my family, I must reverse the evil I have done, ask for forgiveness and pursue peace, as far as it depends on me. If I want to live a peaceful, good life with my community, I need to do a turnabout from evil by not repaying evil for evil but replacing evil with good. 

The Bible verse Romans 12:21 is not only a great verse on this topic, but the reference is itself a mirror/reversal (12—21), making it a great mnemonic reminder of this truth. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Heavenly Father, Giver of life, during these days of uncertainty let us turn our fear into faith in You. Let us depart from evil, as we turn to You. Let us deviate from complaining, but rather express our gratitude for the many blessings You have given us. Let us shift the dangers of isolation into room to spend quality time with You and the ones You have put in our homes. Let us see the frustrations and inefficiencies of change as a platform for growth and ingenuity. Let us greet challenges and empty shelves with opportunity to acknowledge the provision You so lavishly bless us with and the occasion to share with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.